shake, rattle and roll

So, we had a little excitement in southeast Missouri this morning - a 4.0 earthquake.

The epicenter was within 10 miles of my house! It rattled so much, I actually thought for a minute the house was ripping in two.




Image from the USGS website

 You know how people always say babies can sense things like earthquakes? I TOTALLY believe it now. Mr. Cooper has been doing a great job of sleeping through the night and I don't even remember the last time he woke up before 5 a.m. But around 3:15, I heard him sorta whimpering, so after a few minutes, I got his pacifier, figuring that would help soothe him back to sleep. About 10 minutes later, he was whining again, so I fed him. No more than 10 minutes after I got back to bed {at 3:58 a.m. to be exact} the earthquake hit. Coincidence?

Oddly enough, he didn't make a peep and when I checked on him, he was sound asleep.

Of course, when I logged onto Facebook this morning I saw there was a huge party on there at 4 a.m. Ha! Don't you love how the first thing we do is update our Facebook after something like that?

And this is the image circulating this morning, which simply cracks me up.

All in all, I'm glad that we're safe and there is no damage. And I'm considering shelling out the big bucks to add earthquake insurance to my home.

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miscellany monday

Hi again :)

Let's not talk about how long its taken me to get this up. Blogger is ca-razy today!

• Our weekend was ah-mazing. I pretty much chnaged from one pair of pajamas/lounge pants to another the entire time. To me, that is heaven.
• We did rent a couple of movies on Friday night. I got Bridesmaids and Killer Elite. I had heard great things about Bridesmaids but was disappointed - it was so uninteresting to me, I fell asleep. Hubby did enjoy his movie - obvs, since it has Jason Statham.
• I'm so jealous I'm not off work today. We get a lot of holidays, but NOTHING is planned off in February or August, so it stinks.
• This morning, my babysitter told me she thinks she has bronchitis. My kneejerk reaction was to just grab my baby and walk out the door, but that wasn't exactly feasible. I do plan to leave the office shortly after noon and work from home, then have my mom watch him tomorrow because I don't want him to be exposed. Is that crazy?
• I just realized I've hit 50 followers! I may have to do a giveaway soon :)
• I'm trying really hard to eat more fruits and veggies, but it's tough. I mean, cookies and chips sound so much better.
• I totally fell off the Fab Ab Feburary train. Blaming it on my birthday. I got behind, did some doubles to try and catch up, been busy, blah blah blah. Now I'm a full week behind. Maybe I'll start it back up tonight? Or March 1?
• I did a bit of extra work with my freelance job this month and was excited to have the "extra" money. Then I got my vehicle insurance bill and it hit me that the billing is different now since my parents transferred the title for my old car. So much for money in savings.
• Hubby and I spent a good two hours yesterday organizing the hospital bills, EOBs, etc. from my maternity care/Cooper's birth. I think it's all in line now. I did somehow pay $76 (over the phone) but can't find the bill for it. I'm calling today.
• Speaking of bills, I got an almost $2K EOB from the doctors office and best not ever get the bill. Long story short: I intended to get Mirena but the nurse pracitioner who saw me for my postpartum appt. couldn't get it placed. She figured it was a polyp or something, so had me come back the next day to see the actual doctor. They thought they had it placed, but failed TWICE. I have a retroverted uterus. Anyhow, they told me I wouldn't be charged, but it appears they turned it into my insurance ... and then my insurance denied coverage b/c she is apparently not in my network. If I get a bill, I will raise all kinds of hell.
• We did a lot of talking about money, the budget, etc. over the weekend. Basically, we decided to be very aggressive this year to get a lot paid off so we can begin working toward other projects {ie a horse barn.} I'm excited, as it means we shouldn't have any debt other than our house and my care by Jan. 1, but nervous about not having a lot of flexible money, funds for vacation, etc.
• I hate grocery shopping at Walmart. I try to only go once a month.
• I feel like I am in a cooking rut. Here's the tentative menu:
• Sunday: Hamburgers and fries
• Monday: BBQ meatballs, cheesy potatoes, green beans
• Tuesday: Pork chops in gravy, mashed potatoes, slaw
• Wednesday: Salmon patties, fried potatoes, noodles in tomato juice
• Thursday: Leftovers
• Friday: Grilled cheese and tomato soup
• Saturday: Out. I'm hoping for either Olive Garden or a hibachi grill
• Happy Monday! What random things are going on in your life?

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Make my Monday #1

I'm participating in a new linkup today! But don't worry, I'll be back with a miscellany monday soon ... especially since I didn't have time for my randoms post on Friday.

My blog buddy Kelly is teaming up with Jess for this new linkup, and I love the questions for this week.

In one word, describe ...

your life: FULL! I have a fabulous little family, job, etc. and can't want for anything more.

your love: EVERYTHING. When I love someone, I give them my everything and love them deeply, regardless of anything else.

your body: AMAZING. Not in the supermodel body way {believe me, I am definitely still recovering from having a baby} but in the way that it did allow the growth and development of a healthy baby and now makes the food to feed the babe. It's really cool if you just sit back and think about it.

your cooking: EASY. I love to cook but don't have a lot of time, so I live for meals that are quick and easy to throw together, especially Crock Pot ones :)

your career: GRATIFYING. I'm working to bring higher education and workforce training closer to home.

your hobby: NONEXISTANT. I'm not crafty, and I barely have time to shower daily, so no time for hobbies.

your style: CLASSIC. I like to wear basic pieces with pops of color/trendiness. Same when it comes to expensive jewelry and home decor.

your blog: DIARY. It's random with all sorts of bits and pieces from my life.

your home: RELAXED. I've finally given in to realize that I need to worry less about cleaning up the mess and more about making memories. One day, all I will have to do is clean, and that will be sadz.

This was fun ... you should join in :)



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Guest Post: Underrated and unique vacation destinations {for families!}

Since we have a little one now, it's definitely going to change how and where we vacation! We do LOVE the beach though, so it's important to us that we find a family-friendly destination.

Meet Christina Johnson. She works remotely for Elliman Prudential in the New York City Apartments and Rentals market.  She is using her journalism major to combine what she loves most, writing and her career. Her specialties include home decor design and DIY home improvement projects.

When Christina approached me about doing a guest post on the blog, it didn't take me long to say yes! Obviously finding a family-friendly vacation destination is important now. Not only that, I can totally relate to wanting to use your journalism degree although your career is not in the field. Her article definitely gives me some ideas - and I hope you get them, too!\

Oh, and if you have any great locations to add to this list, please let me know!

Long lines at tourist attractions, overbooked hotels, and a lack of family-friendly activities can make vacationing at some of the really popular places less fun than it should be. But there are a number of places that you can vacation that don't get quite the amount of busy tourist activity as some of the more popular places. Located in the United States and around the world, these cities offer more than just hotels, movie theaters, and restaurants. They offer a wide variety of activities that adults and children can appreciate.

Amelia Island in Florida is not as well known as areas such as Orlando, Miami, or Key West, but that does not mean it has nothing to offer vacationers. Visitors can have a short stay at a bed and breakfast, hotel, or resort. They can also have an extended stay at a rental condo or house, or go camping in one of the local campsites. Beaches offer opportunities for swimming, horseback riding, hiking, or collecting seashells. Companies such as EoMotion Segway Tours provide off-road adventures on segways through Fort George Island State Park. Visitors can also take Segway, bicycle, or kayak tours through the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort Nature Center. Guided tours showcase birds, turtles, crabs, night creatures, and plant life.

While Houston, Texas is one of the largest cities in the country, it is not always considered a hot spot for vacationers. But it offers a wide variety of activities for families. The Galleria shopping mall has luxury stores, restaurants, cafes, an arcade, and a year-round ice skating rink. NASA and Space Center Houston have tours and interactive exhibits for adults and children. Visitors can see hundreds of animals at the Houston Zoo or have an educational and fun experience at the Houston Museum of Science and History. The Houston Children's Museum was created specifically for children, with interactive exhibits, guest speakers, art classes, and film events. For visitors arriving in the city during certain times of the year, there are large events to attend such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the National Dog Show.

For those families that wish to travel on an international scale, there are cities throughout Europe that have activities both parents and children will enjoy. Munich, Germany is home to amusement parks, marionette theaters, museums, and castles. Beer halls are often kid-friendly, offering special menus especially for the under age set. The Munich Toy Museum has a wide collection of historical toys from both Europe and America, including dolls, plush bears, and trains. Tierpark Hellabrun, the Munich Zoo, cover almost 90 acres and includes over 5,000 animal inhabitants situated in simulated natural habitats. There are also pony and camel rides, a petting zoo, and a seasonal penguin parade.

Also home to castles and other historic activities, Edingburgh, Scotland is home to gardens, museums, and countryside day trips. Tours can be taken through Edingburgh Castle, one of the most iconic fortresses in the country. Day trips can be taken through guided tour groups to areas such as Loch Ness, home of the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Families can also explorer the Museum of Childhood, a multi-level exhibition with collections of toys, clothing, games, craft items, and other objects that showcase the many aspects of childhood.


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What I'm Loving

Link up with Jamie!

{1} I'm loving that we all had a great Valentines yesterday! Hubby got very sweet cards for Cooper and myself, and I bought hubby a big can of Honey Roasted Peanuts and wrote on the envelope to his card that I'm "nuts" about him! Ha!
Mr. Cooper also had a haul. He got books from mommy & daddy and said he would share his candy treats from his daycare friends with us :) His sitter bought him a new toy to strap onto his carseat (which he LOVES) and he also got a couple of little rubber duckies. He told me he can't wait for bathtime tonight!

{3} I'm loving that I work for a school and since there was slightly inclement weather on Monday, we got off work at 3 and also didn't go in until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

{4} I'm also loving that in one month, we will be on spring break :) I am having a yard sale with my mom.

{5} I'm loving how cute this little baseball player is :) When Coop was given this outfit a few weeks ago, the temps were in the 60s and I was afraid he wouldn't get to wear it :( I HATE cold weather, so it's saying a lot that I was hoping it would get cold enough for him to wear a few times.

{6} I'm loving Red Stamp. It's a free iPhone app where you can make postcards. Then you deliver electronically, or you can even have them printed and sent. I made one for hubby and my parents yesterday :)

 

 {7} I'm loving this photo I saw on facebook. Hubby loved it as well :)

{8} I'm loving that I get to go to lunch with my mama today :)

{9} I'm loving that baby Coop has such great grandparents who can't stand to go more than a couple weeks without seeing him :) So thankful that we live closeby - my niece lives six hours away and I know it kills them to not see her very often.

{10} I'm loving my sweet, sweet husband who is my Valentine EVERY day :)

What are you loving today?

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my love, my valentine

This is a little different from the other Valentines survey that's been floating around :) I wish I could remember who to give credit for it to, but I have had it saved in my drafts for so long I don't remember.

Happy day of love! This little guy blows you all kisses!

♥ What are your middle names?
Michelle Kathryn
J**** Daniel

♥ How long have you been together?
Eight years

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
It was sorta immediate. I mean, we didn't call ourselves boyfriend/girlfriend from the start, but I was in college four hours away and neither of us felt comfortable with seeing anyone else after we met.

♥ Who asked whom out?
He asked me :) We met through mutual friends one night, and then next he asked if I wanted to come over and watch a movie - although it wasn't just us at the time!

♥ How old are each of you?
27 & 36

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
His. But we don't see many people at all these days!
 ♥ Do you have any children together?
Yup! Our little love bug, Cooper Michael, pictured above :) And of course, Hank Dog and our three horses.



♥ What about pets?
Whoops, should have scrolled down!
Hank - chocolate lab. 11 years old.
Doc, Scarlett and Jax - horses.

♥ Did you go to the same school?
Nope.
 ♥ Are you from the same home town?
No, but the same area. Sort of. His family moved A LOT when he was a kid.



♥ Who is the smartest?
Depends on what you are talking about. He definitely has more common sense/applied knowledge, but I'm more book smart - I have the college degree and am good at spelling, grammar, etc.



♥ Who is more sensitive?
Me.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Um ... we get Burger King most often. Other than that, probably Buffalo Wild Wings? We don't go out to eat much and we like to change it up.



♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
San Juan, Puerto Rico
 ♥ Who has the craziest exes?
Definitely hubby. I could *really* go into it here but I won't. It's the day of love, after all :)

♥ Who has the worst temper?
Him. He's such a perfectionist and gets so upset when things don't go right.

♥ Who does the cooking?
Mostly me, but hubby grills and ALWAYS makes the pancakes. And helps with some other foods.



♥ Who is more social?
We both are. I typically am more of a planner who always needs something going on, but he will stay out later. And when we go to Walmart he knows at least twice as many people as I do.


♥ Who is the neat-freak?
Neither of us
 ♥ Who is more stubborn?
I'd say it's pretty even
 ♥ Who hogs the bed?
We both do in a way! Lately I think he does ... we swapped sides of the bed when I was preggo and he's still used to kicking his leg out on the side - which is now toward me!
 ♥ Who wakes up earlier?
I do, unless Cooper sleeps in :) Before he was born, hubby didn't wake me up until he was out of the shower.

♥ Where was your first date?
Out to the Mexican restaurant



♥ Who has the bigger family?
He does - youngest of five kids and a big extended family. But he isn't too close to his extended family, while I am.



♥ Do you get flowers often?
Naw and that's OK. They just die. I'd rather have the cheap Aldi or Walmart bouquet.
 ♥ How do you spend the holidays?
Mostly split between our families.
 ♥ Who is more jealous?
Used to we both were, but I'd say it's not an issue anymore.

♥ How long did it take to get serious?
Mmm I don't know. He was my first great love. I'd say it didn't take long, but we were in a long distance relationship for a 3.5 years and he has a psycho ex, so that is why it took five years to become engaged.



♥ Who eats more?
Typically hubby, but since I am BFing I can match him these days!


♥ Who does/did the laundry?
Mostly me, but we both fold/put away.

♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Me

♥ Who drives when you are together?
Him 99% of the time




Happy Valentine's Day! I got hubby a goofy little gift and we bought a few books for Cooper. Tonight we're eating leftover chili and cuddling in front of the TV with our littlest Valentine - what are your plans?

Nice to meet ya!

I've had a few new followers/commenters lately so I thought it was time for an "About Me" post. Also, if you're visiting from Kelly's Korner or Neely's blog, welcome!

I'm Michelle. I'm a wife and a mama :)

Cooper Michael blessed our lives with his arrival on 11.23.11. He was a big boy, weighing 9 lbs. 13 ounces.

 We love him to pieces...

Those boys are pretty much my life :)

In 2007, I graduated from the University of Missouri (GO TIGERS!) with a degree in journalism, with an emphasis in newspapers. Since I met my hubby while on a school break, I returned to Southeast Missouri, where I grew up, and worked at the local newspaper for four years. Last summer, I was offered a job in the Office of Development at community college, which I accepted.

Being a working mom is hard. Almost every morning, I want to cry when I leave Coop at the sitters. But right now, hubby and I know that me working is what can give our little nugget the best possible life. I mean, how else are we going to pay for him to go to medical school and have all the training he needs to be a professional baseball player? For the St. Louis Cardinals, of course.

Blogging is one of the few escapes I have now days. It's where I can say what I want and just get things off my chest. I still love to write but don't get that so much in my new job. Most importantly, it's a way to document our lives. Coop's baby book is kinda sad, but I know that I have TONS of information about him on here.

Although it's not the reason I began blogging, I do love the friendships I've made along the way, too. I LOVE connecting with all these smart, talented women. They sure have opened my eyes to lots of other ideas, etc. While I was pregnant, the advice I got was invaluable, and now I'm just another mama and blogger trying to pay it forward.

Although I talk about my little angel quite a bit, I do have a few other interests in my life. Specifically cooking and renovating/decorating our home. Pinterest. And I love saving money.

So ... tell me more about you!

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